Online gambling in South Africa banned again
The article reports that South Africa is tightening enforcement against online gambling platforms, reaffirming that most forms of internet gambling remain illegal under the country’s existing laws. The National Gambling Board (NGB) has issued a formal notice to provincial licensing authorities instructing them to crack down on companies offering unlawful online gambling services.
The warning comes after many sports betting companies began offering online casino-style games such as roulette, blackjack, and slot machines through their websites. These companies argued that they were simply offering bets on the outcomes of casino games rather than hosting the games themselves, attempting to operate within the legal framework.
However, regulators rejected this interpretation. The NGB emphasized that interactive or remote gambling over the internet remains illegal under the National Gambling Act unless specifically authorized by national legislation. The only form of online gambling currently allowed is betting on external events, such as sports matches or horse racing, through licensed bookmakers.
The enforcement push was strengthened by a Supreme Court of Appeal ruling, which decided that bookmakers cannot offer roulette games unless they also hold a casino licence. Regulators say this decision confirms that betting companies are not allowed to provide casino-style games through their platforms.
In addition, the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications stopped certifying Remote Gambling Servers, meaning the technical infrastructure used to run online casino platforms can no longer receive official approval. This move further limits the ability of operators to run such services legally.
Authorities have instructed provincial regulators to align licensing rules with the clarified legal position, prohibit the use of illegal systems, and take enforcement action against operators that fail to comply. The NGB will monitor compliance and report the results to the national government.
Overall, the decision signals a stronger crackdown on online casino gambling in South Africa and clarifies that only licensed online sports betting is legal, while internet casino games remain banned until new legislation is introduced.
